The Chronic Illness Chronicles: Ele Tranquil

For today’s post, I’m sharing my interview with Ele Tranquil, a fellow Michigan resident. She is 44-years-old and a homemaker who loves writing, reading, and all things nature.

What chronic illness do you have and when were you diagnosed?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) the end point of CKD at 17.

How has it impacted your life?

If I hadn’t been diagnosed that week, I would have been dead that week, so finding out was a blessing. Because of the diagnosis and treatment, I have traveled to foreign countries, obtained a higher education, married, and am a mother. It has also impacted my life with the discovery that it is debilitating, despite treatment. I can no longer trust myself to hold down a job, and so am entirely dependent on my spouse.

With this chronic illness, what have been the hardest things to deal with?

Understanding what the doctors meant when they told me there is no cure, only treatment. I thought after transplantation I would be fine. Turns out, it really is a chronic condition, and “fine” is relative.

What blessings have happened in your life as you’ve faced this chronic illness?

For the first time that I could remember in my 17 years, I had an insurmountable amount of energy. And I discovered a hidden rebellion underneath my anxiety to please others; that rebellion has evolved into independence. Furthermore, against all odds, I had a baby nearly a decade ago.

What have you learned? What positive impact has this chronic illness had on your life?

I have learned that life goes on – or it doesn’t – and I can only do the best I can do, just as doctors can only do the best they can do, and we only have so much knowledge. I have also learned not to judge a book by it’s cover. That is to say, to remember that there is more to a person than how healthy (or not) they look.

What do you do to stay positive?

Music nearly always changes my mood! Sometimes movies can help, when I am not in the mood for reading. Having someone to talk to helps tremendously. Furthermore, I ensure that my condition is NOT all that I am; stay focused on things I enjoyed before diagnosis (for me, writing).

What would you say to others who are fighting chronic illness?

To those with chronic conditions… yes, it can be hard. There are also moments that plateau, and those can be savored (because with chronic illnesses, there may be no ups, so steady can equal peace, however momentary). As I read in a kidney magazine today, focus on things you enjoyed before getting sick and remember that you are not your sickness.

Ele’s Favorite Quote:

“All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien